Texas Frog Fest

The Texas Frog Fest (TXFF) is an effort of Brint Construction and the local Bolivar Peninsula community to provide a weekend-long entertainment venue showcasing local and national artists for the benefit of the Lone Survivor Foundation’s Crystal Beach retreat facility.

TXFF is an annual event through which funds are raised to maintain the Lone Survivor Retreat and help offset the costs of conducting the retreats that are held there. Through the generosity of our volunteers and sponsors, the first annual TXFF, held in March of 2014, was an event to remember. This two-day venue provided great musical entertainment, food and drinks, booths to learn more about the Lone Survivor Foundation and the Crystal Beach Facility and a family friendly atmosphere.

TXFF 2017 is shaping up to be even better. We will have activities for the kids, great silent auction items, fun raffle items, Lone Survivor and TXFF swag and, of course, more great musical entertainment. The 2017 Festival will take place May 27 & 28 at the permanent home of Texas Frog Fest; 1609 State Hwy 87 in Crystal Beach, TX 77650.

All of the proceeds from this event go directly to the Lone Survivor Foundation for the purpose of operating and maintaining the Crystal Beach retreat facility. Through your attendance at the Texas Frog Fest you will be supporting our soldiers, and their families, as they learn to cope with effects that combat has had on their minds and bodies.

Charlie Robison

Let's just get it out of the way right up front: In the five years between his last and most successful album yet, Good Times, and his new Dualtone Records release, Beautiful Day, Charlie Robison got divorced from his wife Emily (of The Dixie Chicks). So it's only natural to assume that this is his "divorce album," which is not altogether untrue.

But as with all devoted songwriters, Robison writes from a perspective that draws from and speaks to larger matters and issues within human experience and life in these times. And as the title indicates, even if this album is to a notable degree about and informed by the end of his marriage, there's something different and more at work here.

Beautiful Day is ultimately an album that chronicles the processes and resulting growth one goes through and finally the redemption to be found within such a major life event. And it reflects a change in approach is the way Robison writes his songs. "In the past most of my songs were stories written from a third-person perspective," he explains. "This is the first album where I'm writing in the first person. It wasn't like I did it by design; I didn't have any choice."

Hence Beautiful Day is a musical and emotional journey that travels through a vivid landscape of feelings and moods from certain places to other ones new and wholly different. Like such certified classics as Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks and Willie Nelson's Phases & Stages, its narrative center is the end of Robison's marriage. Yet unlike too many divorces, where rancor and pointed anger is a key part of the mix of feelings, this story is one of two people who love each other and their children, but due to their situations, themselves and the demands of their careers, the marriage is no longer tenable. And that's what makes Beautiful Day another significant creative work about divorce with a different tale to tell than any other.

Robison's divorce, which was finalized in August of last year, is by no means typical. "It was a completely amicable thing," he explains. "We didn't even have separate lawyers. We did the whole thing ourselves, and we get along better now than we had the last four years of our marriage. We hang out all the time," he notes.

The distinctly different nature of this break-up is clear from the opening title track, with its upbeat vibe, tempo and theme, albeit tinted with a slightly sardonic edge. And by the time one reaches the final number, Robison's decidedly Texan reading of Bruce Springsteen's classic "Racing in the Streets," an exhilarating sense of freedom and new beginnings is at hand.

In between one finds such compelling new Robison compositions as the psychedelically tinged "Yellow Blues," the upbeat and spry "Feelin' Good," the emotionally stormy "If The Rain Don't Stop," the somber "Middle of the Night" and the kicking country-rock hoedown of "She's So Fine." As with his last album, Robison includes two numbers by one of his favorite songwriters, Keith Gattis, "Down Again" and "Reconsider," both of which fit the album's theme perfectly, as does Bobby Bare Jr.'s "Nothin' Better to Do." All told, it's an album that takes the listener through a gamut of feelings that by its end leaves one wiser and more mature as well as wonderfully entertained.

Throughout his career, Charlie Robison has forged his own path within the country music world as well as the Lone Star music scene and popular music at large. He grew up in the small scenic town of Bandera in the Texas Hill country — known as "The Cowboy Capital of the World" — where his family has ranched the land for eight generations. Music wasn't just a staple around the Robison household; from even before he could walk, Charlie would spend Saturday nights with his parents at The Cabaret, the local C&W dancehall in downtown Bandera. But the fare playing in the family home ran the gamut from rock'n'roll to singer-songwriters and much more. So it should come as no surprise that Charlie, his brother Bruce and sister Robyn Ludwyck all enjoy respected and critically acclaimed music careers as singers, songwriters and recording and performing artists.

While attending college at Southwest Texas State University — now known as Texas State University, and the alma mater of George Strait and many other musicians on the Lone Star scene — Robison found he wasn't cut out for academics, and a long held desire to try his hand at making music came bubbling to the surface. He managed to persuade his brother Bruce to also drop out of college, and the two headed to Austin.

The brothers Robison soon both landed in the band Chaparral, which in the late 1980s was a seminal act that seduced young generations of Texas to hit the dance floor to two-step, waltz and more, arm in arm in the old-school style, to a new sounds and style within the greater realms of country. It was ground zero for what became a thriving Austin scene rich with emerging talent by the 1990s. Charlie began writing songs in earnest, and after a stint in the popular Austin roots rocking combo Two Hoots and A Holler as well as a collection of local talents know as The Millionaire Playboys, he struck out on his own as an artist.

His 1995 debut album, aptly titled Bandera and released on the tiny Austin Vireo Records label, was a potent opening salvo that included such Robison favorites as the rowdy nightlife celebration "Barlight" and "Red Letter Day." After a brief deal with a Nashville major label that ended because of his refusal to be artistically boxed-in and packaged as the latest hunky hat act, he signed with Sony Music's Lucky Dog label and released two studio albums (1998's Life of the Party and 2001's Step Right Up, which hit the Top 40 of the country album chart) as well as two live recordings: Unleashed Live with brother Bruce and labelmate Jack Ingram from a tour the three did together and his own 2003 Live album that showcased Robison's dynamic and hard-charging performing style which has made him a Lone Star State favorite and a popular national country-rock attraction.

In what now may seem rather ironic, Robison's 2004 Dualtone label debut, Good Times, found him celebrating wedded and domestic contentment as a husband and father (of son Gus and twins Juliana and Henry). It enjoyed the best record sales of his career, and the video for "El Cerrito Place" was a Top 10 hit at CMT.

Beautiful Day promises to build upon and expand Robison's public impact even further. But even if his divorce was amicable, the experience still wasn't an easy one for him, as the end of any profound love is bound to be. "When I was writing this record, I was going through the quintessential divorce thing of living in a one-bedroom apartment in downtown San Antonio across from the bus station," Robison recalls. "When it's over, it's over."

Beautiful Day captures the panoply of feelings one experiences with the break-up of a marriage. "It goes through the range from, man, this sucks worse than anything in the whole world to, man, I'm really pulling out of this and really feel good. I'd be up and write a redemptive song like 'Beautiful Day' or 'Feelin' Good.' And then I'd write something like 'If the Rain Don't Come Today,' where the guy in the song wants to go out and have fun tonight, and then it fades into the reality of where you're at on 'In the Middle of the Night.' You're by yourself and you don't feel as good as you did earlier. But I still tried to give it that Sinatra twist where even if it feels lonely and bleak, a girl walks in at the end, and you think, well, maybe my life isn't quite over yet."

Despite the high-profile fame of The Dixie Chicks, the Robisons managed to keep their separation and divorce out of the tabloids and gossip columns. "Although the order of the songs on the album is more musical than following any storyline, as you hear the record you'll know what was going on with the divorce," Charlie admits.

Beautiful Day is also a musical departure for Robison as his first self-produced album, recorded at his brother Bruce's Austin studio, Premium Recording Service. The vibrant electric guitar work throughout is by artist in his own right as well as producer Charlie Sexton, while the acoustic guitars that fill out the sound are by Robert Earl Keen's guitarist and producer Rich Brotherton. Longtime Robison sideman Kim Deschamps brings the colors of his steel guitar and mandolin to the mix, while the bottom end is held down with grooving solidity by the veteran rhythm section of Robison's backing band The Enablers, bassist Scott Esbeck and drummer Keith Robinson.

"I've wanted for a long time to make a record that sounds like a great American rock band," explains Robison. And just as Beautiful Day closes one emotional chapter in his life and opens another, it's also an album on which his always strong rock'n'roll leanings come to the fore to transcend his country roots, while also bringing them along, to create a sound that is simply great American music.

All told, it's an album of deep and rich emotional and musical content that anyone who has ever lived, loved and lost can find themselves within as well as experience what Charlie Robison has been through. And all of us, the artist included, find a redemption and the prospect of new beginnings by the time the record ends, and find ourselves better, wiser and stronger thanks to it all.

Zane Williams

These are the qualities Zane Williams sings about in his rootsy anthem "Texas Like That"--the title track of his 5th studio album--and so it comes as no surprise that these are also the qualities on which his rapidly-growing career is built. Respected by his fans (the Zaniacs) as a down-to-earth family man, Zane is a also a charismatic entertainer on stage and a prolific songwriter who wrote all ten of the new album's tracks. It's a rare combination of abilities that just may make him a superstar, especially among country music fans hungry for an alternative to today's pop and hip-hop influenced "bro country".

First up on this collection of ten self-penned songs is the energetic "Feelin' Free", which combines acoustic mandolin and banjo with a driving beat and soaring three-part harmonies. The gritty groove of "Throwback" manages to sound modern and traditional at the same time, and "Summer Rain" features a soaring guitar solo section as powerful as anything you'll hear this year on top 40 radio. It's a delicate balance that Zane strikes--Texas authenticity with a bit of Nashville polish--but by capturing the best of both worlds he creates a sound all his own that is a refreshing change for fans of either music scene.

Zane has earned a reputation for releasing albums on which every song is worth listening to over and over, and "Texas Like That" is no exception to that rule. The album continues with the catchy and romantic "She Is", the toe-tapping "Just Gettin' Started", and the fan tribute song "Here's to You", which is sure to liven up the honky-tonks that are his bread and butter. However the strongest tunes on the album may be the stirring ballad "Jayton and Jill", which is the kind of heart-wrenching story song that is so sadly missing on mainstream country radio as of late, and the vulnerable and poignant "Kansas City Sunrise".

Zane is an anomaly in today's country music....a modern-day "throwback" who is equal parts bar-room entertainer and introspective poet. If you ask the crowd of Zaniacs at a show just what they love so much about the man and his music, they might tell you it's his genuine smile, or the way his songs seem to come straight from the heart, or how he sings about real life in a way that real people can relate to. For all these reasons and more, they keep coming back time and time again to get lost in the music and experience together just what it means to be "Texas Like That"

Jamie Talbert

No, they aren't devil worshippers, but they have gotten some fairly odd reactions to their name! Taken from the Charlie Daniels song "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" where the song states "And a band of demons joined in, and it sounded something like this…." Yes, like THIS!
If you are expecting someone in a starched shirt, big hat, and cowboy boots to stand there in one place all night long and sing to you…that ain't gunna happen. These boys like to have FUN, and it SHOWS! The good news is, all the fun thats packed into their live performances is infectious, and it is something that everyone who sees them wants to be a part of.

2015 was a landmark year for the band, and saw their first ever radio releases from the CD titled "Tomorrow Night". The first single they put out, "South Bound Train," broke into the Top 100 on the Texas Charts and stayed there for a VERY respectable 15 weeks, peaking at 63…quite a feat for a debut single!

Their second single, a hard rocking version of Charlie Daniels "Long Haired Country Boy", was released in the summer of 2015 and and spent 13 weeks in the top 100…giving the band a combined 28 weeks in the top 100 for their debut release in 2015!

Their latest single, the title track "Tomorrow Night" which is dedicated to the men and women who serve our nation in our armed forces, is currently at #37 with 19 weeks in the Top 100… making three Top 100 releases in a row for the band!

Their next CD is expected to be recorded in the summer of 2016, with radio releases to follow.

If you like good music and like to have FUN, then THIS is the band for you! Round up your friends, make plans to see them soon, but be ready for a party when you do…these boys won't disappoint you!

Genevieve Allen

Born and raised in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, Genevieve Allen grew up competing in rodeo and working horses. Music has always been a huge part of her life. She initially studied classical piano, competing all across the state of Texas. But her musical world changed forever when her best friend turned on Houston’s 93Q and she heard her first country song. It was a Garth Brooks song. Genevieve quickly became obsessed with the music written about her world of rodeo and horses. She bought a guitar and started learning the music of her heroes: Garth, Chris Ledoux, George Strait, Merle Haggard, and others.

Genevieve then started writing her own music; the first song from her pen was about the classic love tragedy of a cowboy, a girl, and a rodeo. She co-produced her first album, "Whiskey Kisses," with Worley McKinney, releasing it independently in early 2014. That music and her live performances caught the eyes and ears of legendary songwriter Chris Gantry, who brought her to LandStar Entertainment. She signed with LandStar in 2015 and began writing.
The Western influence is undeniable in the music of Genevieve Allen. Combining the traditional sounds of steel guitar and fiddle that are reminiscent of the Old West, Genevieve modernizes her sound with gritty rock vibes. She writes about the way of life that she knows: the rodeo world and wide open spaces.

In early 2016, Genevieve cut her first three singles in Nashville’s legendary Hillbilly Central studio, produced by fellow Texan, Adam Fears. Fans of the Outlaw movement will remember that it was created by Tompall Glaser and Waylon Jennings in that very building in the mid 1970’s. Genevieve’s first single, "Rob That Train," co-written with Fears, was released to Texas Country Radio in the summer of 2016. It climbed into the Top 40 and ended the year #70 on the CDX TRACtion Texas 2016 Year End Top 100 chart. Genevieve is currently in production of her first music video, for her song “That’s Why God Made Cowgirls.” Look for that to be released in 2017.

Jerrett Zoch & The OSR Band

Jerrett Zoch and The OSR Band is a Texas band based out of Huntsville. Their music is influenced by the many different styles they have listened to over the years such as country, blues, southern rock, and many more. “We don’t write our songs to be a certain style or genre. We like to let the feel of a song, create the song.” -Jerrett Zoch

In 2010, Jerrett Zoch and Daniel Huggins, friends from Centerville, Texas, picked up two old guitars and began writing music together for fun. It didn’t take long for them to know they were on to something. Soon after, they were joined by drummer Berny Herrera, from neighboring town, Jewett. With Berny’s addition, the three officially formed the band and began seeking to increase the depth of their music. When they found bass player, Logan Mehringer from Teague, TX, they quickly asked him to join, and when he agreed, they were set to go.

The band began playing at local venues and quickly expanded their reach by performing shows throughout Texas and beyond. Their, self-titled first album was released in February of 2014. It created a path for the band as the group’s talent and fan base continued to grow.

In 2015, the band welcomed the addition of John Speights from Mexia, Texas, whose talent on keys has rounded out and completed the group’s distinctive sound.

In January 2016, Jerrett Zoch and The OSR Band released their second album titled “Kings and Queens.” The first single off this album, “I’m Done,” reached number 18 on the Texas top 20 charts. Their newly released single from the album, “Everything I Need” became their very first Number 1 on Texas Radio.

Bag of Donuts

Bag of Donuts cover a wide variety of music from the 1960's through today's top of the pop charts, including TV shows, commercials and movies. They are a New Orleans based quartet known for their wild stage antics, outlandish costumes and strange renditions of popular songs. Since their creation in 1988, they have entertained and "offended" thousands of people by stealing their hearts as well as other peoples' songs. Bag of Donuts remain a professional band with an outstanding reputation. They've won numerous awards throughout their animated history and perform 100 plus dates a year. In March of 1999, the Donuts released their debutCD "Glazed and Confused." Two years later they released their much-anticipated live CD, "Live in New Orleans," recorded at a sold out show at House of Blues. The band reinvented themselves in January 2011 with the change in front man Bobby Hoerner and the release of their EPK in August of 2011.

Jessica Meuse

Jess was born in Round Rock, Texas in October 1990, who was without a doubt an eccentric little girl who coined the phrase "Some people might say these socks don't match, but I like them." Jess is a singer and songwriter, as well as a self-taught musician at guitar, violin, and piano. Classifying her style is not an easy task. You can say it's a hybrid of Indie/Alternative/Pop/Rock/Country.